15 Skincare Products That Are Actually Worth The Splurge

Picking out the right cleanser or anti-aging cream often feels like drugstore roulette: Do you go with the $60 product or opt for the $25 one? After all, the higher price tag doesn't always guarantee better results. Without the help of a dermatologist, it definitely feels like a bit of a gamble. So which products are worth spending your hard-earned money on? We asked skincare pros to help us out, and these are their picks. (Lose up to 25 pounds in 2 months—and look more radiant than ever—with Prevention's new Younger In 8 Weeks plan!)

Suntegrity

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Suntegrity Face Sunscreen + Primer

"SPF is the most important step in any skincare routine and should never be skipped," says Claudia Cardarelli, an aesthetician at El Segundo Dermatology in California. It's important to protect your skin all day (rain or shine) to prevent damage, and this broad spectrum primer makes it easy to work daily sunscreen application into your daily makeup routine. ($45; shop.prevention.com)

Dr. Dennis Gross

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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

"These daily peel pads have alpha and beta hydroxy acids making them great for daily exfoliation," says Patricia Farris, MD, a dermatologist in Metairie, LA, and spokesperson for the Women's Dermatologic Society. Those anti-aging acids help smooth fine lines and give your skin that much-coveted healthy glow. ($64; amazon.com)

JeNu

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JeNu Ultrasonic Infuser

For your facial products to work effectively, your skin needs to absorb their key ingredients. "Our skin is a barrier and helps keep things out—both good and bad," Cardarelli explains. Rather than using your finger to apply products, she suggests trying this infuser, which helps maximize absorption. "I started using it 2 minutes a night—immediately I saw results," Cardarelli says. "After the fourth night I decided to incorporate it into my morning routine as well. I tell all my clients it's just 2 minutes to toned, tighter, brighter-looking skin." ($249; amazon.com)

RMS Beauty

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RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream

Made with raw certified pure coconut oil, this simple cream serves many purposes. "It can be used to remove makeup (even stubborn waterproof makeup), as well as deeply nourish dry skin while protecting it from free radical damage," says Cardarelli. "It's also great for cuticles." ($18; shop.prevention.com)

Mother Dirt

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Mother Dirt AO+ Mist

"When it comes to your appearance, your microbes might actually play a bigger role than your genes," says Robynne Chutkan, MD, a gastroenterologist in Chevy Chase, MD. "Without a healthy microbiome, it's really hard to have glowing skin or a full head of hair." She recommends Mother Dirt's products because they restore the good bacteria that we need for that glowing skin, rather than wash them away. This mist contains live ammonia oxidizing bacteria, which work to even skin tone and balance moisture. ($49; amazon.com)

Jan Marini

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Jan Marini Skin Care Management System

Melanie Kingsley, MD, a dermatologist at Indiana University Health recommends this 5-piece starter kit, which includes products that moisturize and smooth the skin, target sunspots, and minimize pore size. "All of these are anti-aging products, which have an added benefit of helping adult acne as well," Kingsley says. "It sounds like a lot of steps, but only takes about 5 minutes morning and night." ($190; amazon.com)

Flynn & King

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Flynn & King Organic Replenishing Dry Oil

A combination of five organic oils—almond, argan, grapeseed, kukui nut, and hemp seed—this hydrating liquid moisturizes the skin without making it feel greasy. It's also infused with vanilla beans and essential oils, which make it super soothing. "Put it all over your body right after the shower for silky soft skin that smells divine," says Cardarelli. ($55; shop.prevention.com)

This fragrance-free aloe vera-based gel is one of New Haven naturopathic doctor Amy Duong's favorite moisturizers. "Your face can easily get dehydrated even in humid weather, so I use CellFood Gel to nourish and cool the skin," she says. "It contains aloe vera, minerals, and amino acids that act as 'skin food.'" Because it's hypoallergenic, it has fewer chemicals than other moisturizers, which can clog pores. ($23; amazon.com)

If you want to erase dark circles, this plant-based serum is your friend, says Duong: "Green tea extracts and arnica, which are anti-inflammatory, increase circulation under the eye, and help minimize dark circles now and prevent them later." Just a dab, and your eyes will be on their way to looking more well rested. ($62; shop.prevention.com)

SkinCeuticals

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SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Treatment

"This time-tested antioxidant formula offers protection from the sun while it rejuvenates skin," says Farris. After application, the powerful vitamin C serum is effective for at least 72 hours, working to smooth out wrinkles and brighten complexion. ($116; amazon.com)

A gentle product for everyday use, "this is similar to what I use for my face, which is just a diluted apple cider vinegar," says Duong. The simple but effective cleanser contains water, organic apple cider vinegar, rose flower, aloe, and some essential oils, "which can be antimicrobial for preventing acne breakouts," she says. And the best part? After dabbing it on, you don't even need to rinse it off. ($33; shop.prevention.com)

Neutrogena

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Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum

A tiny tube of this anti-aging serum "contains a stabilized retinol that is nonirritating yet highly effective," says Farris. Use it to smooth out crow's-feet and reduce under-eye shadows. ($17; amazon.com)

NeoStrata

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NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Anti-Aging Regimen Kit

This 4-piece kit includes an exfoliating wash, eye cream, and day and night products that boost collagen production and repair discoloration. "I use this line extensively with my patients," Farris says. "It helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture. Patients love it!" ($52; amazon.com)

Gressa

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Organic Lip Boost

Full of organic oils, this hydrating balm comes in 5 different shades from a sheer nude to a rich red, making it easy to add a touch of moisture and color to your lips. ($29; shop.prevention.com)

"This is a light sunscreen that's great for daily sun protection and good for all skin types," says Farris. "It's one of the few that has really good UVA and UVB protection without being heavy or opaque." Clinically tested and safe for sensitive skin, it's no wonder the water-resistant lotion is a dermatologist favorite. ($23; amazon.com)

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